Bridge Superstucture:

We always design the bridge according to our need and our limits in expenditu
re, taking various
other factors like environment and aesthetics into account. Here, we will bri
efly look into the
types of superstructure on the basis of the materials used.
1. Steel Superstructure:
In this type of superstructure, primarily steel is used.
Steel gives a high tensile strength to the structure. Recent advancements
in welding and anti-
weathering technologies in steel have made its usage more economical.
2. Concrete Superstructure:
In this type of structure, concrete is used. To even give some tensile str
ength to the concrete,
its prestressed, either by pre-tensioning or post-tensioning.
3. Timber Superstructure:

Even though timber is weaker than concrete and steel, it is used because o
f its high strength to
weight ratio, and its resistance to chloride attacks.
Now, let us look into the types of decks.
1. Non Composite deck- When a deck is not contributing to any resistance in s
hear, then its called
non composite type of deck.
2. Composite deck- When a deck contributes to shear resistance, then its call
ed composite deck.
On the basis of materials:
1. Concrete slab deck: It can be cast in-situ, i.e, cast on site, or prestress
ed.
2. Steel deck
Wearing Surfaces Types:
Wearing surfaces are required so that the decks can have atleast some resistan
ce to traffic wear and
other environmental conditions. They can be of types-
1. Asphalt Concrete
2. Latex modified concrete
3. High density- low slump concrete
4. Integrated wearing surface
Deck Joints:
They are the joints provided in the deck for logitudinal and transverse moveme
nt of the deck, and also
for rotaion caused by thermal expansion and contraction during various tempera
ture and loading conditions.

The types of joints are:
1. Open Joints
2. Filled Joints
3. Compression steel joints
4. Strip Seal joints
5. Modular joints
6. Finger plate joints
7. Sliding plate joint
The engineer should decide the type of joint to be used on the basis of the typ
e of structure which would be constructed.